Mammography

As with most radiological procedures, there may be preparations that will be required to be done by you to ensure a successful and smooth mammogram scan appoinment. Listed below are some suggestions.

APPOINTMENT RESCHEDULING:
​If you are still getting regular menstruation, it is recommended to avoid scheduling appointment dates close to the start of your menstrual cycle as breasts tend to be more tender during this period. Do try to schedule for the scan 1-2 weeks after the start of your period.

If you had a very recent COVID-19 vaccination done, you may experience enlarged/swollen lymph nodes. This may affect the interpretation of the mammogram results. While not everyone will experience post-vaccine symptoms, women are encouraged to schedule their mammogram appointment before the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccination or at least four to six weeks after the final vaccine dose.

FASTING AND MEDICATIONS:
Fasting and stopping of any medications is NOT required for this scan.

PATIENT POSITION DURING THE SCAN:
Routinely, the mammogram will be taken with patient standing. However, if you/ the patient are/is wheelchair-bound, the mammogram can still be done.

• Preferably a 2-piece outfit should be worn as you will be required to remove top and bra for the scan.
• Please do not apply powder, perfume, lotions or deodorant on your armpit and over your chest areas as this will affect the image quality.

• A series of questions will be asked before the start of the mammogram to obtain relevant medical history.
• If you are coming for a standard mammogram package, there will be 2 different types of imaging views that will be taken for each breast. This means that there will be at least 4 x-ray images taken. However, in cases where there are technical difficulties or other factors, more images may be taken. This should not be a cause for concern.
• In both imaging views, there will be compression (external pressure) applied using a plastic plate on to the patient’s breast for about 15s. This compression is important to ensure that the breast tissues are well spread out so that small abnormalities are not obscured by overlying breast tissue.
• Due to the compression that will be applied, mammograms are often uncomfortable for the patients. This may vary from patient to patient due to pain tolerance, breast size, and timing of the mammogram in relation to your menstrual cycle.

Your radiographer will inform you once the examination is complete and you are allowed to get dressed.

For some patients, the chest area may appear bruised after the mammogram. This is normal and should go away a few days after the examination.

After the mammogram, the images obtained will be sent to our radiologist for an official report to be produced, which will then be sent electronically to your doctor. The results of the mammogram will be discussed in your next appointment.

1. Can I still go for a mammogram if I have breast implants?
Yes, you can. However, do inform your radiographers on the day of examination so they are aware as special X-ray techniques will be used.

2. Can I still go for a mammogram if I am currently breast feeding?
You need to wait at least 6 months after you stop breast-feeding before you can do your mammogram. This is because your breasts will be compressed during mammogram and the milk ducts in your breasts can lead to inaccurate results.

3. Should i reschedule my appointment if my COVID-19 vaccination was taken recently?
Discuss with your doctor if you are need to go for a mammogram soon after you get the vaccine. Your doctor will be able to advise on the situation. We advise patients not to delay mammogram without seeking doctor’s advice.​